Bexbach Bash | September First Fridays
Friday, September 4, 5 – 9 p.m.
Downtown Goshen comes alive with a fun and festive First Fridays version of Oktoberfest, celebrating Bexbach—our sister city in Germany!
Commercial and Informational Booths
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Entertainment
Live polka music, traditional games including a stein-holding contest and Hammerschlagen, German brews from the Goshen Brewing Company, a costume contest, and delicious German delicacies are just some of the items on the program. Downtown shopping and dining deals are also in the mix for this family-friendly Oktoberfest celebration of culture and community.
5-9 p.m. | Vinyl Habits | The Fold alleyway (219 S Main)
5:30 p.m. | Esther Lanting (Accordian) | Main Stage
5:30 p.m. | Family-Friendly Film Block at Riverbend Film Festival (FREE) | Goshen Theater (216 S Main)
5:45 p.m. | Steven’s Puppets – Rumpelstiltskin | Art Alley
6:00 p.m. | Costume Contest | Main Stage
6:30 p.m. | Elkhart County Beer Choir | Main Stage
6:30 p.m. | Steven’s Puppets – Rumpelstiltskin | Art Alley
7:00 p.m. | Steven’s Puppets – Rumpelstiltskin | Art Alley
7:00 p.m. | Stein-Holding Contest | Beer Garden
7:30 p.m. | Esther Lanting (Accordian) | Main Stage
7:45 p.m. | Steven’s Puppets – Rumpelstiltskin | Art Alley
Stop by the Janus Motorcycles booth, near the beer garden, to play a round of the traditional German game, Hammerschlagen!
Our events operate with the love and help of many volunteers and sponsors. Join us!
Food and Drink
Area restaurants will feature a selection of summertime food and drinks. The Goshen Brewing Co. Beer Garden will be open to satiate your thirst, and don’t forget the many food trucks—there’ll be no shortage of ways to fill your belly at the Bexbach Bash!
- Drop by the Maple City Market tent on Main Street to cool down with a local paleta (popsicle) and cold drinks! In the store, enjoy a Beer & Brat soup in the deli, made by Chef Steph, with local bratwursts from Fischer Farms, and we will have free seasonal wine tasting with Anna & Max on our patio!
- Biebs & Ash will serve double signature smash patties with Muenster, apple butter-Oktoberfest mustard, grilled onions, and bacon on a fried pretzel bun, served with a side of our house beer cheese!
Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA)
*Downtown Goshen has officially adopted a DORA! What’s that? A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, is a state-authorized district where adults age 21 and older may purchase beverages from participating businesses and carry them outdoors within clearly marked boundaries. Further details are on the City of Goshen website.
Please be sure to follow all laws, boundaries, and DRINK RESPONSIBLY!
Family Activities
Bring the entire family to experience this family-friendly event. Bexbach Bash will feature a variety of activities for kids, including free crafts. The Chill Zone, presented by DJ Construction and the Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart County, will have games and snacks on hand to entertain all visiting young adults! Plus, the first 50 through the Chill Zone will receive a free pretzel from JoJo’s Pretzels!
- Test your skills on the Cardonas Mechanical Bull!
- Enjoy face-painting by Wish and Wonder!
- Visit Garden City Church for a free craft and a fun activity ready for the whole family to enjoy. It’s an easy, welcoming spot for families to pause, play, and be part of the downtown fun.
- Stop by the First Fridays Info Booth on Main Street to pick up a Downtown Goshen Loteria Scavenger Hunt card! Explore and visit participating businesses to find hidden Lotería cards throughout the evening. Complete a line or the full card for chances to win prizes, including traditional Mexican candy and entries into a grand prize drawing at the Hispanic Heritage Market on Saturday, September 12, from 12 – 9pm at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds.
Shopping and Promotions
As the end of summer approaches, stores offer Labor Day sales and show off their new fall releases.
- Meet the Authors from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fables Books.
- Buy one cat lounge visit at regular price and get a second of equal length half off from 5-9 pm at Catitude Cafe! Be sure to wish them a Happy 1 Year Anniversary!
Well Crafted Artisan Showcase
Elkilo Bread
Francisca Designs
Manzanas Enchiladas
Seven Sisters Project
Silver Circle
The Silver Circle, presented in part by Greencroft, Green Oaks of Goshen, Goshen Health, and Senior Talk Michiana, is a dedicated space designed as a welcoming gathering place for older adults. The Silver Circle creates an inclusive, comfortable environment that blends resources, connection, and entertainment in one centralized location.
Handicap Parking will be available directly behind the Silver Circle on West Washington. Senior transports may also use this space with advance notice. If you plan on bringing your senior clients, please contact us as soon as possible via our contact form.
First Fridays Amenities
These amenities make it easy to enjoy the festival!
- Ride down with the family and park your bikes for FREE at our complimentary Bike Valet station, presented by the Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition!
- Parents and guardians can enjoy the Goshen Health Mother’s Tent, which offers a comfortable space to nurse and change your littles!
- Take advantage of the designated Handicap Parking located behind the Silver Circle.
- Don’t forget to recycle! Head to the Recycling Center on festival grounds to take care of any collected recyclables.
Event Map
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Thank you September First Fridays Sponsors!
Downtown Goshen Inc. and First Fridays are here to celebrate Goshen and the wonderful arts and community that we share. That means that if you attend an event in downtown Goshen, your image might appear in a future celebration of that event or a promotion of one of our future events. This is because our community is the most essential part of First Fridays! We pride ourselves in being an organization that celebrates everyone and will do our best to present you in the best way possible. We are incredibly proud and happy that you enjoy our events and that you are part of our fantastic community! Thank you for joining us at First Fridays and having fun in downtown Goshen.
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